Promoting live synth, darkwave, and industrial music in the Twin Cities

Tag Archives: the rope

There are a bunch of fantastic shows coming to the Twin Cities over the next few months. We like to keep you informed, so here are the details of a few that caught our eye and a little bit about why these are going to be killer events. We hope to see you there!

The Rope, Thunderbolt Pagoda, Claps, Gloss

Many of you already know The Rope, especially after their amazing performance at this year’s Goth Prom. For those of you who have yet to experience The Rope, they are a dark synth rock band influenced heavily by the post-punk sounds of the late 70s. They’re known around town for their engaging performances, passionate lyrics, and dark yet danceable music. This is a very strong, well architected lineup of Minneapolis talent. Rounding out the bill are Thunderbolt Pagoda (heavy, proggy, space-rock), Claps (minimal synth pop), and Gloss (dream pop, shoegaze). Their sounds are diverse, but complement each other well.

Songs such as ‘Give The People What They Want’, ‘Do Me’, ‘We Love To Hate’, ‘No Guts No Glory’, ‘Ich Bin Ein Berliner’, ‘Spaenk’ and ‘This Party Ain’t Over’ cover everything from dance-friendly electro-industrial, through to hard and heavy NDH. He even throws in a curve ball with the annoyingly addictive and demented ‘I Hop’. The album presents a full cross-section of En Esch’s strongest song-writing styles and some memorable collaborations with the likes of Guenter Schulz, Erica Dilanjian, MMTM.

Go Fight were last here in 2012 and since then, they’ve released two full length albums and numerous singles. Their brand new sophomore release, Napalm Baby, was released in April and has been receiving rave reviews:

However, amongst all these different themes and motifs comes the awesome music that this band has managed to perfect in a short span of time. They describe themselves as “Electroscuzz”, which is pretty much a self-made genre. But, after giving a listen to this clear cut production, I can only describe that as a mixture of industrial, funk, electro, and a little bit of everything else in between the smaller lines. Expect a lot of upbeat experimentation and naughty nonsense that somehow manages to work very, very well. (Brutal Resonance)

Freezepop, Dance Assault, The Electric Witch, Duck Duck Punch

It’s been over four years since Freezepop traveled to the Twin Cities. We’re big fans of synth pop and are very much looking forward to having them back! Freezepop shows are always super high energy and full of geeky fun. Joining them are up and comers Dance Assault, who’s funky electronic pop is sure to get you moving, The Electric Witch (retro sci-fi inspired synth pop), and Duck Duck Punch. KFAI’s DJ SLT will keep you entertained between bands.

KMFDM, Chant, Inertia

KMFDM need no introduction, so we’d like to spend a little time introducing you to the fantastic tour support – Chant and Inertia. Chant is a tribal-infused apocalyptic drum project that has developed a reputation for blistering stage performances while touring extensively with KMFDM, Lords of Acid, My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult, and Angelspit. London’s Inertia (electro-industrial-rock-dark pop, Metropolis Records) are touring in support of their brand new album, Existential, out this month. Make sure you arrive early to catch Chant and Inertia!

Haujobb, Dissociate, Echo Signal

The consensus on Haujobb’s opening set at the Skinny Puppy / Front Line Assembly show in December was that it was way too short. Haujobb were the highlight of the evening for many, and we’re pleased to bring them back to Mill City Nights in the Nether Bar for a headlining performance. Locals Dissociate (IDM / noise) and Echo Signal (post punk) will kick things off. And after the show, be sure to head over to Hard Mondays at The Saloon for more post-concert fun!

What’s On Your List?

What upcoming shows are you looking forward to? Discuss in the comments!

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Congratulations to Minneapolis-based rock/post-punk band, The Rope! They’ve just released their first official video for Water to Wine and signed on with US and Germany-based indie record label, Spiralchords. Spiralchords is also home to Deadstar Assembly, Stayte, The Mission Veo, MDM, We Got This Far and more. Live footage for the Water to Wine video was filmed at The Varsity Theater at their show on January 5. Look closely and you might see yourself or your friends in the crowd 🙂

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I suppose I’ll go next in our series of introductions. If you missed the post on our Fearless Leader, Trace, check it out here. Check back for more introductions..or better yet, follow this blog, subscribe to our RSS feed, or follow/friend/like us via our social media pages.

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I had a conversation a while back with someone from Chicago about the Chicago “industrial” music scene, and he asked me “What bands are even in Minneapolis right now?”. I didn’t have a good answer for him at the time, not because we are lacking in great music, but because a lot of the currently active bands have a mostly local focus.

Figgles McGee of Gabriel and the Apocalypse by aztalanturf

Long time City Pages Gimme Noise blogger Andrea Swensson has departed the paper for The Current and in her farewell post this week, she articulated what’s been in the back of my mind for a while:

Just last month, during a taping of The Local Show with my new employer, 89.3 the Current, host Dave Campbell asked his guests if we thought we were living through another golden age of Minnesota music. Without pause, Chris Riemenschneider from the Star Tribune, Ross Raihalafrom the Pioneer Press, and myself—all longtime documentarians of the local scene—nodded our heads and answered in a unanimous “yes.”

There is some phenomenal music being created in our back yard, and it’s not just one or two genres that are thriving right now. We are very lucky. From hip hop to rock to metal to the various electronic genres, there is an abundance of tremendously talented artists and bands in the Twin Cities. But let’s focus on the darker, synth based and electronic bands.

As|Of at TC Electropunk 6 CD Release by aztalanturf

The abundance of great local shows this past week is a perfect illustration of what’s happening on the synthy/darker side of local music right now.

Thursday, January 5:The Rope, Safewords, Still Pacific, Blood and the Sun at The Varsity

Friday, January 6:OBCT, Thought Thieves, Dissociate at the Fine Line

Friday, January 6:Gabriel and the Apocalypse, Pinwheel, I Corvinus, UZZA at the Triple Rock

Friday, January 6:Men of Sport and Leisur, Jealous Jester, Torch the Spires, As|Of at Club Underground

OBCT at TC Electropunk 6 CD Release by aztalanturf

There were three shows on Friday night that I had on my calendar. Three! While it’s unfortunate that I had to choose one show, it says a lot about the depth of talent in the Twin Cities.

The Rope

Source: The Rope's Official Facebook

I’ll start from the top with The Rope. Most of The Rope’s shows have featured extremely diverse bills at a wide variety of venues and this is reflected in their following. The band made their debut at The Varsity Theater this past Thursday night and the crowd was filled with people of all ages and from all walks of life – everyone from the leather and combat boot clad to university students to music geeks of all assortments.

Whether they realize it or not, The Rope are on the cusp of doing something big for Minneapolis music, in particular because of their willingness to join forces with bands very different from themselves musically, including electropunks Thought Thieves and The Night. More on the electropunks later.

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No matter what holidays you’re celebrating (or not celebrating) this year, Happy Holidays from the Kilted Farmer team. Here are a few live music events coming up this holiday season and be safe!

12/21 The Night 7″ Release Show

The Night are releasing their new 7″ on the 21st and have invited their friends The Rope, Ghost in the Water and The Trapezoids to celebrate with a show at the 7th St. Entry. Check out The Night and The Trapezoids on the new TC Electropunk Volume 6 compilation. Show details.

12/31 Taj Mahpolitan New Year’s Eve 2011

Ring in 2012 at the Taj Mahpolitan New Year’s Eve bash in Northeast Minneapolis. The night features 7 DJ’S, live music by Thought Thieves (not one but two sets!), art, food and costumes. Facebook event.

1/5 The Rope, Safewords, Still Pacific, Blood and Sun at The Varsity

If you haven’t yet seen The Rope live, then you really need to mark your calendar for January 5. The Rope put on an excellent live show and will be joined by death rock band Safewords, indie rockers Still Pacific and Blood and Sun. Details

1/6 Countdown to the Apocalypse 2012

Explosive industrial rockers Gabriel and the Apocalypse take the stage at the Triple Rock on January 6. They’ll be joined by Pinwheel, I Corvinus and Uzza. GATA latest album, new World disAsteR, is a favorite of the Kilted Farmer team. Facebook event | Tickets

3/30 I:Scintilla with Thought Thieves and Cwn Annwn at Ground Zero

Looking a little farther ahead in March, we have the first Kilted Farmer show of 2012. I:Scintilla will be making the trip from Chicago to play Ground Zero on March 30. They’ll be joined by Thought Thieves and Cwn Annwn. Mark your calendars and start spreading the word! Full info and flyer are coming soon.

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Things have been a little quiet on the site since Freezepop was in town, so we’re well overdue for an update. The Kilted Farmer team has been taking a well deserved break after putting on 8 shows through the first half of the year. There’s still great live music to be seen and heard while we’re on a break. Below are a few upcoming shows that have caught my attention.